Russell Westbrook Charity Poker Event Raises Nearly $1 Million for Youth Foundation

NBA legend Russell Westbrook hosted his sixth-annual charity poker event in Las Vegas, raising nearly $1 million for his Why Not? Foundation. The tournament, held in partnership with the World Poker Tour (WPT) at Fontainebleau’s members-only Poodle Room, brought the six-year fundraising total to almost $3 million.

The event drew a mix of poker royalty and professional athletes. WPT ambassadors Phil Ivey and Vince Van Patten attended, alongside 2025 WSOP Main Event champion Michael Mizrachi. NBA players DeAndre Jordan and Harrison Barnes also joined the field, which included reality TV personality Princess Love and producer Randall Emmett.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Event | Sixth-annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night |
| Location | Poodle Room, Fontainebleau Las Vegas |
| Amount raised | Nearly $1 million (six-year total: ~$3 million) |
| Notable attendees | Phil Ivey, Michael Mizrachi, Vince Van Patten, DeAndre Jordan, Harrison Barnes |

Why the event matters for poker fans

Charity poker events remain a significant driver of visibility for the game, bringing together sports and poker audiences. Westbrook’s event is notable for its consistent growth — the $10,000 buy-in tournament has now raised nearly $3 million over six years. For poker players and enthusiasts, these events demonstrate how the game serves as a platform for philanthropy, connecting high-profile athletes with poker’s biggest names.

The participation of players like Phil Ivey and Michael Mizrachi also highlights the crossover appeal between professional poker and professional sports. Ivey, widely considered one of the greatest poker players of all time, and Mizrachi, the reigning WSOP Main Event champion, add credibility and draw to any poker event they attend.

Who played and who won

Westbrook himself entered the tournament and played aggressively. He moved all-in with top pair on the flop, only to find Princess Love had flopped top two pair. Her hand held, sending Westbrook to the rail early.

The eventual winner was poker professional Michail Grigorev, who defeated a final table that included Princess Love and Randall Emmett. Ivey, Mizrachi, and Westbrook all missed the final table, but the competitive field and high buy-in ensured strong play throughout.

Westbrook’s philanthropic track record

Westbrook, who retired after 18 NBA seasons with averages of 20.9 points per game, founded the Why Not? Foundation to inspire young people and teach resilience. The foundation’s name comes from his personal mantra, which he has used throughout his career. Even while earning over $350 million in NBA salary, Westbrook has consistently used his platform for community outreach, and the annual poker event has become a signature fundraiser.

The choice of venue — Fontainebleau’s Poodle Room, an exclusive poker space on the Las Vegas Strip — reflects the event’s high-end nature. The $10,000 buy-in included a one-night hotel stay at the resort, adding to the experience for participants.

What this means for the poker event calendar

Charity poker tournaments have become a staple of the Las Vegas event calendar. Westbrook’s event joins a growing list of high-profile fundraisers that bring together celebrities, poker pros, and sports figures. For video poker and poker content sites, these events offer a window into how poker culture intersects with broader entertainment and sports industries.

The success of this year’s event suggests continued momentum for celebrity-driven charity poker. With nearly $1 million raised in a single night and a strong turnout of name-brand players, the Why Not? Foundation Poker Night has established itself as a reliable fixture in the poker charity circuit.

Source: PokerNews — https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/09/russell-westbrook-charity-poker-event-52471.htm

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